SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah baseball team faces a tough challenge this weekend as it faces a trio of baseball powers in Texas A&M, Baylor and Kentucky at the Houston College Classic, March 4-6.

"It's a thrill to be able to play in the Houston College Classic," head coach Bill Kinneberg said. "This is probably the finest tournament in the country. We play three really good teams again this weekend."

Utah dropped three games to Arkansas in its last outing, losing late-inning leads in two of the three games.

"Our schedule will make us tougher and better prepared down the road," Kinneberg said. "The thing that has stood out so far this season is the quality pitching we have seen and we will see more of that this weekend. The offense has to hang in there and scratch and claw for every run we get."

Texas A&M (6-1) is ranked in several polls, coming in as high as No. 9 by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. The Aggies are led by All-America pitcher John Stilson, who will face off with Utah pitcher Rick Anton on Friday.

Baylor is also high on the national radar, going 4-3 to open the season. Two-way player Brooks Pinckard leads the way for the Bears.